Current Mailbag - Mailbag Archive Index - DCRTV Front Page - Support DCRTV DCRTV Mailbag - May 1 to May 8, 2008 Latest messages listed first..... \/ May 8 Messages \/ No one at Citadel is going to want anyone to know that Jack Diamond is leaving if he was. Unless the cat is out of the bag before his last show trhen they probably wouldn't let him give goodbye's either. It's the corporate radio biz to make moves in a seconds notice or not say anything until it happens. As for "Citadel should go back to running small market stations and just let the big boys play". Who really are the Big Boys??? Really? Citadels small market stations here in SC PA are 10 times better than anything CC puts on in either their samall markets or big markets. Really every move that citadel has made so far is no different than what CBS has done to WQSR, WJMK, WCBS (in 05), Steve Rouse, Ken Merson, Kenny Campbell, etc, etc, and what CC has done with the Hot Morning Mess, Big 100.3 format wise, Big 100.3 personality wise a few years back, canning any good personality they have for voice tracked, or some 6.00 and hour guy who has never done radio before ands shove him in either the morning or afternoon drive slot of a major market station. Citadel is no different the CC or CBS. Honestly I say shut off Baltimore's 105.7 all together with the crappy talk and let Citadels 105.7 the X bleed right into Baltimore. Baltimore's 105.7 hasn't had anything good on the air worth listening to since WQSR. Remember when a well run (management wise) WQSR pulled #1 numbers all around on that shitty Baltimore only signal? That was the good old days of radio when stations played what the listener wanted, that are totally gone today. I just love how the same people who love the gutted BS Blabber FM-Talkers and fans of poorly fomatted stations say for Citadel where to go yet Citadel is no different then the owners of the stations of the stations they listen to all the time!!! It just seems so hipocritical really. (5/8/08) I don’t know enough about Terry “Motormouth” Young to know his pedigree or lack thereof, and I didn’t live through the glory days of Top 40 radio, but if he’s even close to what that was like, I think I would’ve enjoyed it a lot. He has a recurring feature on XM’s 60’s on 6, called ““Number One Then, and Number One Now” where he plays a current hit, and frequently editorializes while he talks up the record. Today, in an intro for “Lollipop” (by Li’l Wayne, not the one by the Chordettes), he intro’d the song by saying “this next song is garbage. I hate it” and went on to give a little background on the artist, and when he was ready to move on, he said “well, there are other stations on XM, and if you like garbage like that, you can hear it on The City, or Top 20 on 20” and then intro’d the next record. It made me laugh out loud. (5/8/08) RE: "WTOP Battle of the Hotties." I was indeed making fun of the contest, which is silly. The fact is Hank is a good looking man. He's an even better reporter and friend. (5/8/08) Oh my God, Chris Matthews's hair looks darker and redder today. Is he dying it? (5/8/08) How does the Digital TV Converter work? You connect your antenna up to it to provide input. For output to your TV or VCR, you connect either a pair of RCA plugs (for straight video output) or a 75-Ohm cable (for Channel 3 or Channel 4 output) between the two. Then tune your TV to the channel picking it up (3, 4, or Video In), and use the Converter's remote to scan the airwaves for all the digital channels it can find, which it will number like the old-style channels, like 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 for wherever WRC-DT is, which is actually on Channel 48, and like 54.1, 54.2 for WNUV-DT which is actually on Channel 40. From then on, the CONVERTER's remote Channel Changer will use these virtual numbers to go through all the channels, and can also provide a range of sound volume to your TV/VCR. Your old remote is mostly only good for volume. Finally, you get a few zoom options. If a program is HD/widescreen, you can keep it letterboxed or zoomed. If it is digital but SD/regular-shaped screen, the screen will look like a 2-dimensional letterbox, but using zoom will make it fill the old-style TV screen completely. Quite easy to use, and the picture and sound are better than regular TV. There is stereo sound, but no 5.1 Surround sound. -- Carl in Olney (5/8/08) Could someone! out there please explain to me the PATHETIC & HALF-ASSED news 'coverage/reporting' of Military matters? (i.e. -a local Guard/Reserve unit 'goes to war' and the news readers completely f--k up whatever the unit it is; -what the unit did/does, etc. etc. -they can't even get service members rank correct!) Seriously! does anyone in the 'media' have a CLUE about Military Affairs??? -I've served Active Duty/Reserves/ & now for a "Govt. Agency" ;-) Yet it is really depressing to see-hear the local DC/MD/NYC & National media being so out of touch/critical with the Military Affairs of this Nation and this so-called 'war on terror' (just listen to Jack Nicholson during "A Few Good Men" and his 'stand on a wall...' rant -Amen :-) ~Arthur S., Langley, VA USA, "kinky-neo-con" (5/8/08) Allow me to speak up for my colleague Hank Silverberg. He's a sweetheart, hopeless romantic (easy, rumor-mongers, just ask his WIFE) and a helluva guy. Dunno who tried to be cute or funny in that mailbag post...but the consensus of the women here is that our Hank is a hottie in his own way. - Amy Morris, FederalNewsRadio Executive Editor (seconded by Dorothy Ramienski, WFED Internet Editor) (5/8/08) Dave's response: Here's a pic of Hank (right). Looks a bit like Fox News's Jim Angle (left), with a goatee..... ("doing research I discovered that Satan has both Cerphe and Weasel's soul's up for sale on EBay. I guess their value diminished the second they signed a contract to work at the Globe.") I guess even satan has to pay the bills too...... (5/8/08) Regarding Mix 107.3’s Wikipedia entry… it appears someone in Stafford, VA added the blurb about the end of Jack Diamond’s morning show back on 4/30/2008, where it sat (apparently unnoticed) until this morning. Earlier this morning, someone in New York, NY removed the entry. Since then, it’s been a tennis match – someone in Washington, DC keeps adding the blurb back, and someone in Seattle, WA keeps taking it back down. Ahh, Wikipedia fun. (5/8/08) Another Wikipedia follow-up: someone has claimed to have confirmed with Citadel that the story is untrue, and Wikipedia has now protected the page from revisions until 3pm 5/15/2008. (5/8/08) OUCH!!!!. That post about me is about as accurate as most of the stuff on here (NOT!) For the record...my glasses were purchased last month. (the old one were only a year old). I haven't worn a tie to work for years, I have lost 12 pounds and I have a very large selection of shirts most of which are less than six months old. But I think the person who made the post was simply implying how so stupid that whole "hottie " thing is. I suspect somone is just jealous of that snazzy picture of me on my two published books. !!! Hank Silverberg (5/8/08) It seems to me that the Globe is the most unpopular radio station in DC, but the most talked about? What's the point? PLB:0) (5/8/08) You CAN see Al Jazeera English in Baltimore, or any other place in the US. It's carried by the Globecast satellite system. I ordered it to watch English soccer games, and Globecast carries it for free on channel 463. And I'm not alone--I live in Aspen Hill in Rockville, and I can count at least five other Globecast satellite dishes on my very short commute to the Twinbrook metro. Jerry (5/8/08) Jesus--now we'll hear Scott Shannon on two DC stations--what the fuck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Citadel-go back to running your little podunk stations and let the big guys play! (5/8/08) I gave up on the Globe a long time ago. With the exception of Cerphe and Weasel their jocks are vanilla plastic and their playlist is a bore. What I've never been able to figure out is what audience they're trying to attract. They position themselves as some radical rockers but they play a mix of wimpy acoustic and worn-out classic rock. I don't like the station, my wife doesn't like to the station, my teenage son doesn't like the station, my pre-teen daughters don't like the station -- that rips through several demos right there, and I swear I've never met anyone who listens to the station. Who are they targeting? Why are they missing? Why won't they make any changes to attract an audience? Who makes the decisions at the Globe? (5/8/08) Dave's response: 94.7 has been dead-in-the-water ratings-wise since flipping to the Globe in February 2007. Stuck in 17th or 18th place. DC desperately needs a rock station geared to adults who grew up in the New Wave, Post-Punk climate of the 1980s. Folks like me, who don't want to hear the same Stones' song over and over again, or laid-back Paul Simon. We want to hear some of the cool stuff we heard back then, plus some new, fresh stuff. We don't want a slightly harder version of Mix. The first rule of the Globe is to be non-offensive to advertisers. Attracting listeners is secondary. That's what it sounds like, anyway..... I ordered those digital converter unit coupons a few months ago but as yet have not gotten them. Have some TV's I just don't want to throw away. I notice at the stores that the early supply of the digital converter boxes is now nearly gone. Can't help but think if you didn't order the coupon right after announced and bought the unit right away if the rest of us are stuck and pretty much forced to buy new TV's? And anyone have the digital converter unit and how does it work? I didn't think as the previous classic rock format things weren't nearly as pathetic as Globe as devolved into. Maybe Jack Diamond is coming to the Glob (5/8/08) Dave's response: Well, the "Glob" sounds an awful lot like Mix 107.3, so why not put Jack Diamond on 94.7's mornings. Pair him with Weasel. Now, that would be an interesting combo..... WTOP Battle of the Hotties? With all due respect to Mark Segraves and Adam Tuss, I would like to cast my vote for the superhot Hank Silverberg. When Hank strolls into the newsroom wearing that same short-sleeved shirt (stained from some long-ago meal), dirty brown tie, 1980s eyeglasses and that jelly belly hanging over pants that are about an inch too short -- well, all I can say is hubba hubba. Here's to you, Hank! Maybe I'd go home with Mark or Adam if it were last call and I were really hammered, but Hank Silverberg! I'm all yours, baby! (5/8/08) doing research I discovered that Satan has both Cerphe and Weasel's soul's up for sale on EBay. I guess their value diminished the second they signed a contract to work at the Globe. Paul (5/8/08) For the record: 1) Andrew Young said that Pres. Clinton has dated more black women that Sen. Obama; 2) Rush Limbaugh's "Operation Chaos" is partly entertainment in that he gets people to ascribe events that would have happened anyway to his radio show (like an eclipse), and partly parodying the idea that Democrats voted for McCain in Republican primaries and, according to the mainstream media, that was not something to judge harshly; and no matter what its genesis, the stated goal of "Operation Chaos is not to nominate any particular person, but to prolong the Democratic in-fighting. 3) Toni Morrison called President Clinton the "First Black President". Rush Limbaugh says it mockingly, because, as the host of an opinion show, he uses people's statements in unexpected ways to convey his opinions. You're welcome. -- Carl in Olney (5/8/08) In response to the poster regarding the Globe. Weasel was and is a great jock. I'm sure given the freedom that both Weasel and Cerphe would play different music. Name a major market station that allows that freedom to the jocks. Programming is the only way that a station can have coherency of format. That said, HFS in the 70's played absolutely great music and played a large role in the DC music scene. Unfortunately those days are gone. Nevertheless, The Globe does what it does quite well. Ralph Segal (5/8/08) COOL GLOBE TUNES - Decembrists, My Morning Jacket, vampire weekend... (5/8/08) A memorial service for DC/Baltimore actor and radio personality Bill Hamlin will be held on Monday, June 16, 2008 at 7:30 pm. The service will be held in the Aaron and Cecile Goldman Theater at the DC Jewish Community Center, 1529 16th Street NW (at the corner of Q & 16th Streets). This is the home of Theater J, where Bill performed many times in the past few years. A reception with refreshments will follow. Mr. Hamlin, an award-winning actor and radio personality in the greater-DC area for many years, passed away on February 21 of this year from lung cancer at the age of 64. Friends and colleagues are invited to send personal and professional reminiscences to hamlin.memorial@comcast.net, to be displayed in the theater lobby for the service. Also, if you have photos, audio or video clips, we'd love to have them for use in a presentation during the service. E-media can be sent to the same email address. For media not in an electronic format, please contact us through email, and we will arrange to get them another way. (5/8/08) NBC is preparing a new O&O branding package that will include updated graphics, redesigned show opens, new lower-thirds and OTS's. Including KNBC Los Angeles. Examples of other station graphics can be seen here. Wonder what they're planning for DC's NBC4. (5/8/08) Hey, all you radio curmudgeons waiting for a return to records and carts: Here's a link to a guy who uses a vintage disc cutter to create "vinyl records" out of used CDs and DVDs. Now you too can play your CDs on that old 1981 Lafayette turntable! www.datenform.de (5/8/08) DAVE, the globe SUCKS!!! always has and ALWAYS will. No one give's a shit at that station period.. Cerphe is a local legend... Either they won't let him go free-for-all or he doesn't seem to care . Weasel, well his name says it all... Schelby, GODAWFUL,makes you wanna go to sleep or better yet wish you we're dead. Do I care hell no.. I've got GREASE on saturday A.M.@ D.C.101 thats about the only time I have to listen and If they don't give a shit @ how bad they suck then why should anyone else...........A.M.F from DELMARVA......... (5/8/08) "Derek Bailey? The Shaggs? Peter Brotzman? Come on!!!!"..... For goodness sake! It's obvious that someone didn't have their morning bowl of Maypo. IT WAS A JOKE for crying out loud (although I do have a pretty hefty Anthony Braxton collection and some sweet photos of the Wiggins sisters, like this one: ...(5/8/08) Dave's response: We received no photo with your post... /\ May 8 Messages /\ \/ May 7 Messages \/ If you have Baltimore County Comcast service and an HDTV set, do yourself a BIG favor this week... Disconnect your cable box and connect your HDTV set DIRECTLY to the cable and make your HDTV set SCAN the all the channels. You'll find some VERY pleasant FREE surprises if you're a sports fan. (shhhhhhhhh, don't tell anyone! Ooops.). :-) (5/7/08) I think the globe should be more like Island 92 Radio in Sint Maarten. www.island92.com... We get over 17,000 hits a day on our stream on average. We are the little station that everyone said would fail in the Caribbean, but we are doing quite well. But I am bias as I am the PD/MD of the station, that I run from here in the DC area via an Inet Connection. (5/7/08) There is a station that plays all of the music that is being proposed for the Globe. It's WRNR (103.1) out of Annapolis. I know they don't have a great signal, but you can hear them online anytime. Today for example, I heard new Sheryl Crow called Gasoline, Bruce Springsteen, Grateful Dead, Radiohead, Elvis Presley, Jane's Addiction, new music (a song called Mercy), and so much more. Michael Hughes lives in Annapolis, so any new music you hear on the Globe probably comes from listening to RNR. The only bad thing about RNR is that they don't have their Saturday Night Groove show anymore! (5/7/08) Dave's response: Here's what I'd like to see. Bonneville sells Frederick's 103.9 to Nassau which moves Key 103 there. Then, 103.1 in Frederick could become a relay for Annapolis's WRNR, also on 103.1. And you could hear RNR in DC's western suburbs. Now, wouldn't that be cool..... Was listening to the Globe the other morning for a few minutes and the Weasel seemed to be constantly hawking some vacuum cleaner. Made me sad to hear this. Did raising the newsstand price of the WaPo pay off in increased circulation. Will same thing happen to Wash Times? Is the end coming for most daily newspapers way faster than thought? Seeing what Time magazine has been reduced too in size lately but at the same unreasonable price makes me think the end is very near for weekly news magazines. I want to hear more Danzig and Martin Denny on the Globe! (5/7/08) Dave's response: The Washington Times is on its last legs. It's always been funded by its Unification Church parent. Never made any money. In order to survive, it should become a freebie tab..... (From DCRTV's Classified Ads:) Web Account Manager - WJLA-TV and NewsChannel 8 are seeking motivated and talented Account Managers for our Web advertising team in our Sales Department. You will be generating revenue through selling advertising on the highly viewed WJLA-TV & NewsChannel 8 websites. These opportunities will showcase your superb media sales abilities. The successful Web Account Manager will have the ability to assist traditional television buyers in realizing the value added in a TV/WEB advertising campaign. Please No Phone Calls! Mail Resumes to: WJLA ABC7/NewsChannel8, HR Dept. 1100 Wilson Blvd. 6th Floor, Arlington, VA 22209. Fax to: 703-236-9536. Email to: HR@wjla.com (5/7/08) (From DCRTV's Classified Ads:) SATELLITE COORDINATOR - Responsibilities include: · Coordinate all SNG and ENG feeds to and from WJLA-NewsChannel 8 and all trucks in the field... · Coordinate all feeds to and from ABC, CNN and affiliates... · Coordinate live interviews from the newsroom camera... · Setting up live closed captioning for Breaking News, local pre-recorded, and live local special programs... · Coordinate live streaming of satellite feeds with web producers... · Coordinate all incoming video with editing... · In the future responsibilities will also include editing video as it’s fed into the station and sending it to the News play-out server... Satellite Coordinator must have: · The ability to organize many different elements especially in breaking news situations... · Knowledge of editing and digital video systems... · Knowledge of satellite tuning and booking... · Proven record of meeting deadlines... · Demonstrated ability to maintain assigned equipment... · History of working well with news staff... · The ability to work in a fast paced environment with time sensitive deadlines... Minimum requirements: A degree in communications or journalism or equivalent broadcast experience Ideal candidate will have held a previous broadcast position with experience handling live shots and satellite feeds. If you think you‘re the person for the job send resume to: Human Resources Department, 1100 Wilson Blvd. 6th Floor Arlington, VA 22209 or send by fax: 703-236-99536 or Email to: HR@wjla.com (5/7/08) I have never seen so many DREAMERS in my life. The music combinations that you people are coming up with for the GLOBE wouldn't work anywhere ON the globe/universe. Sorry to say this but any station that's going to churn out revenue of any sort, is going to have to comply with some sort of "hits". Derek Bailey?The Shaggs? Peter Brotzman? Come on!!!! I can see Deep Purple, Kinks, Chad and Jeremy, Tommy James, Troggs, Donovan...I'm of course referring to the ones that are NEVER played, though they were BIG SELLERS! The status mentally, at least most of you, is fried, burnt out, it's amazing to even fathom you thinking that way. Broadcasting is in a bad way, but in order to make a station even close to profit and popularity you have to play the hits mixed with some lesser known artists and of course get back to serving the community. Just look at it this way, if a song sold a million, it means a million people bought it. Theres a vast amount of million sellers that are NEVER PLAYED. DUH!!! (5/7/08) Dave's response: Still, the Globe has been around for more than a year and is still stuck in 18th place. So those highly-paid CBS "professional radio" suits are pretty much just as clueless as we music fans are about how to program 94.7. Right? So, right now we have a station that's in 18th place and plays bland corporate rock. Hell, I'd rather have a station that's in 18th place and plays cool indie tunes. So there..... Suggestions for the Globe...Derek Bailey, Merzbow, The Boredoms, Faust, The Shaggs, Tiny Tim, Captain Beefheart, Eugene Chadbourne and a daily 3 hour block of Peter Brotzman and Anthony Braxton sax solos. Yeah, I know they wouldn't be able to sell much ad time with a schedule like that, but I certainly know people who would listen! :) (5/7/08) According to the ShopTalk “Bad Behavior” survey at TVSpy.com, 59% of television news industry insiders believe that public displays of inappropriate, illegal, or just plain bad behavior are on the rise among station and network news personnel. Over the past few months, several local news anchors, station general managers and national news reporters have had high-profile brushes with the law. Nearly three hundred ShopTalk readers shared their views on these incidents and what they mean for the industry. When asked how they would handle the situation if such an incident involved a member of their staff, 78% of survey respondents said they would suspend the employee pending an investigation. Very few respondents said they would keep the misbehaving person on the job (1%), but only 3% said they would fire them immediately. With regard to procedures for dealing with such personnel issues, 63% of respondents say that their companies have policies in place dictating how these types of employee situations will be handled. The survey indicates that alcohol and drug abuse policies are in place at 74% of television news organizations. For more on the Bad Behavior survey, visit www.tvspy.com (5/7/08) No Wednesday food section in my Washington Times this morning. Are they reducing content while doubling the price? Diane in PG (5/7/08) Dave, In case you haven't seen it, this item about Aljazeera English reporting from Baltimore. kimelli.nfshost.com... All the best, Kim (former host of the former Communications World on VOA) (5/7/08) RER: Your Globe Rant....they could also be playing the Ting Tings; Editors; Newton Faulkner; Biffy Clyrol; Kelly Bell Band; Black Kids. Hell-check out www.xfm.co.uk and just simulcast that! (5/7/08) Yeah--merge XM and Sirius. Everything in the history of commerce points to the merged service being fantastically low-priced. And look at all the wonderful good that "consolidation" has done for terrestrial radio. (5/7/08) Dave's response: My prediction - the FCC will approve the XM-Sirius merger. And then Rupert Murdoch will buy it. The FCC - that is..... (RE yesterday's Rant about cool Globe tunes:) Get rid of the corporate radio mindset and then maybe they can spin some cooler and less tired tunes.... AND get rid of Michael Hughes, how that guy keeps his job is beyond me...it's been well over a year since the so-called format change, and the ratings are still in the toilet... (5/7/08) (RE yesterday's Rant about cool Globe tunes:) The Globe has two DJ’s with world class credentials, but continually keeps the handcuffs on them. Both Weezel and Cerphe have a Mensa musical IQ, and I would love to see them set free to do what they do best. The Globe’s finest moment was their February music by the year a couple of years ago, which highlighted the best of rock music history. (5/7/08) Dave you've got it all wrong. Bill Clinton's quote was that he had dated more black women than Obama. Please note. (5/7/08) (RE yesterday's Rant about cool Globe tunes:) Flaming Lips, Gorillaz They need to permanently retire Van Morrison, for God’s sake. (5/7/08) I’m one of the pro XM-Sirius merger mailbag writers, and I ain’t no insider----I’m just a Sirius subscriber who made the leap for Howard (and what a great show it is on satellite---woof! Uncensored and free, just as God intended it.) I don’t care what happens to XM (though I would like baseball, but am thrilled with my NFL) but mostly I’d love Sirius to stay in business, so I realize the merger is necessary cuz otherwise I don’t think either one can afford to stand alone for the long haul. For those of you worried about the prices going up if there’s no competition, Mel won’t kill the goose that laid the golden egg; that is, none of us NEED Sirius or XM, as there are LOADS of alternatives that are free free free (regular old radio, MP3, etc.), so I think most folks would not hesitate to cancel if Mel jacked up the price---and Mel realizes this. I don’t know how you think it helps either XM or Sirius subscribers to have two separate services; since the programming is almost entirely different, it’s not like picking cable vs fios vs satellite tv where, because it’s largely the same content, you can hop from one to the next based on price. Since 99% of what I want is Howard, XM isn’t an option for me. Now, if merged, they might price it differently, like for your subscription price you get to pick 65 channels and then if you want to add more, you can for $. But I don’t think you’ll see runaway subscription fees because in this economy, few people are going to throw away discretionary income just to keep commercial-free music when they can get it for practically nothing on their ipods. So yeah, the merger IS delayed PRECISELY because of the heavy lobbying by the evil terrestrial dinosaurs who have thrown millions and millions at Congress trying to impede free commerce, so you have to ask yourself why they care so much. Are they just trying to protect us consumers out of the goodness of their hearts, or…are they in fact in direct competition with satellite? Methinks we all know the answer to that one. Please, crooked Congress---let the merger go through already! I’m missing the Yankees. (5/7/08) (RE yesterday's Rant about cool Globe tunes:) How about Old 97s, Rachael Yamagata (from Arlington!), Matthew Ryan’s “Guilty” (what a totally cool, venomous song), Rhett Miller, and some more obscure 80s stuff like The Waterboys, Wire Train, The White Animals, Jason & The Scorchers…I could go on all day. The person who listed Talking Heads, The Clash and Dave Matthews…please. Do we really need to hear that same old tired crap anymore?? (5/7/08) (Re: Poll: Would you rather listen to one hour of Mickey, Amelia, & Speigel, or one hour of The Big O & Dukes?) I'll listen to any show featuring Speigel, which is the only reason I put up with Mickey, and the only reason I put up with Kirk and Mark for the short time he was with them. Living where I do in Maryland, listening to Big O and Dukes is not an option except on the internet, and my life is already complicated enough having to listen to the Mike O'Meara show sitting in front of my computer, now that his York PA affiliate seems to have dropped him. But to really answer the question, I long for the old days of Big O, Dukes, and Speigel. Marsha in Eldersburg (5/7/08) (RE yesterday's Rant about cool Globe tunes:) Editors - "Munich"... Embrace - "Ashes"... Hard-Fi - "Cash Machine" and "Hard to Beat"... Kaiser Chiefs... The Kooks - They are getting some airplay, but one fill-in DJ called The Cooks... Stereophonics - "Dakota"... The Strokes - "You Only Live Once"... Some of the few from the last 3-4 years. Ray Mellom (5/7/08) /\ May 7 Messages /\ \/ May 6 Messages \/ Dave - Will someone, SOMEONE, in this town play music from Duffy?! Here's her current release on YouTube, www.youtube.com her official site is www.iamduffy.com... Tom in Frederick (5/6/08) (RE today's Rant about cool Globe tunes:) Dave - Here are 3 more the Globe should be playing: Safety Suit - Someone Like You www.youtube.com... Monster in the Machine - Under Your Shadow www.youtube.com... Ryan Cabbera - Say www.youtube.com... (5/6/08) Dave's response: Really like Monster In The Machine. Reminds me of The Church and their brilliant "Under The Milky Way," which the Globe does occasionally play..... Zaloumis actually has not been at CSN West in quite some time...They let her go almost 2 years ago...here is what she HAS been doing... www.youtube.com... maybe they should move the cue cards a bit closer to the camera...horrid. (5/6/08) Have you heard WTGB’s HD2? (5/6/08) Dave's response: Last time I listened, it was classic rock..... (RE today's Rant about cool Globe tunes:) Dave, here are a few ideas on how to fix the sinking ship know as WTGB: Talking Heads: Nothing But Flowers... Bjork: It's Oh So Quiet... The Clash: London Calling... Dave Matthews Band: Two Step... Big Audio Dynamite: Rush... The Smiths: There Is A Light That Never Goes Out... (5/6/08) Poll: Would you rather listen to one hour of Mickey, Amelia, & Speigel, or one hour of The Big O & Dukes? (5/6/08) Dave's response: According to Limbaugh, Bill Clinton was the first "black president"..... Wasn't Limbaugh quoting Bubba himself with that line? (5/6/08) Dave: I am so sick and tired of the media hype about the possibility of Obama being the "first black president." Since he was the product of an interracial relationship, he is no "more" black than he is white. If elected, he will not be the first black president, but he may be the first "multiracial" president. Now Al Sharpton ..... that's another story. (5/6/08) Dave's response: According to Limbaugh, Bill Clinton was the first "black president"..... (RE today's Rant about cool Globe tunes:) They could always listen to XM and see what’s on over there. I recommend 44, 54, and 45. There are evidently more than 10 songs in the universe. (5/6/08) (RE today's Rant about cool Globe tunes:) More Rolling Stones, The Who, Jimi Hendrix and Aerosmith! (5/6/08) (RE today's Rant about cool Globe tunes:) Shake Some Action – Flamin’ Groovies... September Gurls – Big Star... Every Word Means No – Let’s Active... Amplifier – dB’s... Sister Jack – Spoon... If It Feels Good Do It – Sloan... Red – King Crimson... And so on and so on… (5/6/08) (RE today's Rant about cool Globe tunes:) Know what's missing from The Globe? Classic 60s Psychedelia. "Daily Nightly" by the Monkees (with rock/pop music's first use of the Moog synthesizer); "Just Dropped In", The First Edition; nearly all the wacky feedback shit from the Dead... (5/6/08) Dave's response: Yeah! Mix that up with some under-played classic rock, some current alt rock and AAA stuff, some '80s New Wave, some HFS classics. That'd be so cool..... (RE today's Rant about cool Globe tunes:) Just go to Radio Paradise www.radioparadise.com. The Globe could just simulcast them and they’d be 1000% better station. (5/6/08) (RE today's Rant about cool Globe tunes:) Dave. I like Paul Simon and I like Joe Cocker…Overall, I think I know what you mean and I certainly agree with what you are saying….Perhaps the Globe should play some great new indie artists in addition to some great classic rock (including Joe Cocker and Paul Simon) including some lesser known bands as well as the well known shit from the 60s and 70s, 80s. (5/6/08) Dave's response: I like Paul Simon, too. Loved "Kodachrome" and much of his stuff with Art Garfunkel. But not on the Globe..... (RE today's Rant about cool Globe tunes:) Globe=sucks... They should bring the HFS calls back to DC and switch to a modern rock format. (5/6/08) I love to listen to Joe Madison. He is one of those hosts that you can't turn off. Good luck, Joe. It is sure hard to think about getting XM, when I'm thinking about what Mel will do when he gets it. Couple of notes: 1) Second or third level syndication is not Major Market radio. There's a lot of that going around in DC. 2) Automated radio stations that don't know what's on their air, are not Major Market radio. 3) 3WT could divide the WMAL audience, but it would be very expensive. They could drive WMAL into a format change by doing the SAME THING as WMAL. Cutting 40% of WMAL's audience would be unacceptable to the new owners. But really - - why bother? WMAL is being crushed by WTOP. Better idea, program 3WT with something new and exciting. Prove you are the programming gurus in DC. 4) Ticketmaster makes more than the venue. It's like Tony Soprano owns it. 5) Don't worry what stations program on HD. One station can't really do anything. HD programming will slowly grow, then the owners will run 10 minute stop sets, and ruin that, too. They didn't make HD so that they could run uninterrupted music for your pleasure. It will be a profit center for the owners. 6) WITH-FM and AM used a lashed together, mechanical automation system; had almost no budget; and at one point were number 3 in Baltimore, and number 1 in midday. Yes, the time tapes sometimes recycled during the overnight. I'm sure glad that I don't have to take the oxide off the automation reels for the light sensors anymore. There were two 10 inch reels, one with all the odd times, one with even times set to advance every minute. We had to record the times and an ID in the spaces between the gaps in the oxide. It almost worked every time. When the stations were sold in the 80s, the 12+ was 4.7 on AM and 4.7 on FM. The automation did very little to help that, but Jack Edwards, John Wolf, Dave Harrison, Paul Bicknell, Larry Walton, and every one on the air at that time did. We had some of the best $6 an hour part-timers in Baltimore. 7) Hate to say it, but WMAL could totally syndicate (if they keep Rush) and keep two good news men, without dropping their rating from 2.9. Ed Graham (still hoping some stations in DC will program something new for 2008.) (5/6/08) Because I don't often listen, I sometimes forget how unintentionally funny Bill O'Reilly is. Today he explained that "the only reason" O'Bama has won some primaries is "because he's more popular in those states." The man is a caricature of a caricature of a caricature. Dave in Sterling (5/6/08) Dave, in response to your item on the Reliable Source reporting on O'Meara's closing: has it occured to you that not everyone reads your site? Maybe the Reliable Source folks thought they would include it as an item about a local celebrity because, well, that is what they report on and have a different group of readers than either you or Paul Farhi? The Reliable Source doesn't advertise itself as some breaking news outlet. I enjoy checking your site, but the self-congratulatory crap, as well as the constant unnecessary needling of the Post, just detracts from it. It makes me think it is all about you, kind of like O'Reilly? (5/6/08) Another note to Ron Chapman, courtesy National Lampoon... You are a fool of the universe. You have no right to be here. And whether you can hear it or not, the universe is laughing behind your back. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAA (5/6/08) Now CBS and others need to start getting into the HD Radio more. The concept is great but IBiquity needs to get it into all of the different makes of cars and trucks standard or at least an option widespread to GM, toyota, Ford, and etc. It's 200 dollars for a good reciever, put that into the price of a new car and it amounts to nothing. They have to do it if the concept is ever going to work. Also CBS, Clear Channel, Cumulus, Citadel, needs to start puting at least 2 sub channels on each of their stations. Like in Baltimore there could be 101.9-HD2 Smooth Jazz, HD3 Soft AC; 102.7 HD-2 Classic Hits or Jack, HD-3 50's-60's Good Time Oldies; 106.5 HD-2 CHR ie: 99.5; 105.7-HD2 Traffic, Weather, & News; HD3 Simulcast of ESPN 1300 Sports; 100.3-HD2 50's-70's Oldies-100; and others which already have HD-2 & 3 sub channels. Also CBS should stream 102.7's Classic Hits online as well since it's already on the air, why else have wqsr.com just go to 1027jackfm.com & why did Steve Dreppard have wqsr2.com registered (which he registered 1 week before the format flip in 05!) yet never use it. Put the domains to use or at least have a link to online streaming of 102.7 HD2 from Jack's page. (5/6/08) That's it. There is now no reason left to listen to WMAL. Subbing for Paul Harvey again today, Ron "I'm too cute for words" Chapman decided a story about a man being killed was a good excuse to do an impression of David Brinkley. Note to Mr. Chapman: You are not the center of the universe. These are real people behind the words you read off the paper. (5/6/08) Dave's response: Over on MAL sister JZW, I heard a Scott Shannon VO bit about "bull balls." Radio, ain't it great? "How many nights ago did O'Reilly interview Clinton and he's still asking guests "how did I do?"" Obviously you still don't get it. Anything that happens on his show is all about O'Reilly - and not about the guests or the topics. (5/6/08) Dave's response: Me me me. Nothing new with O'Reilly. Same with Chris Matthews and Rush Limbaugh, whose show is totally focused on his "Operation Chaos" campaign, which will get Hillary elected as our next president. Heck, Rush will generate far more benefit from a President Hillary Clinton than a President John McCain. You "dittoheads" are getting screwed, with Rush laughing all the way to the bank..... Sylvie.....Self promoting...starting to remind me of the FABULOUS TOM MOORE! (WHO) LOL. Leave the professional sound to professionals. I know, there are none available, none that are interested in WMAL and none on the horizon..Hey,how about TOM MOORE????? (WHO) LOL (5/6/08) The events of the past few months have driven home two sharply contrasting realities: 1) multinational corporations have commandeered the content of most major media outlets; and 2) the public values the opportunity to hear voices from all sides and thereby intelligently draw its own conclusions. The Center for Emerging Media (CEM) was founded in 2000 as an independent, non-profit production company based on the conviction that true democracy can only be achieved when the public has access to the information it needs to make knowledgeable decisions. I am writing to request your support, so we can continue to offer the high standard of journalism that you deserve and the programming you value. For fifteen years on the Marc Steiner Show, we attempted to provide a forum for ideas important to you. With CEM, we are building on that precedent. Since 2005, CEM has delivered insightful and innovative programming for radio and the Internet, from our six-part documentary on the Vietnam War, to the Peabody Award-winning series Just Words. We bring voices from all political, socioeconomic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds to the airwaves. Last week we launched our new website, where you can interact with us and download our recent interviews with veteran television personality Phil Donahue, Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz and conversations about school violence with students, teachers, and Baltimore City Schools CEO Andres Alonso. The next few months promise to provide more opportunities for stimulating news coverage. In a few weeks, CEM producer Jessica Phillips will be traveling to Vietnam to record the next installment of our Shared Weight documentary series, as Homer Steedly returns for the first time to meet the family of the North Vietnamese soldier he killed when he was a young lieutenant in 1967. In June, I will be attending the National Conference on Media Reform in Minneapolis. (I encourage you to go online to their web site and learn about the advances that are being made nationally to ensure free and democratic media.) In August, CEM producer Justin Levy and I will be traveling to the Democratic National Convention in Denver. On behalf of myself and the Board and Staff of CEM, thank you for your demonstrations of support during some rather tough times. Below we have listed the ways in which you can make your tax-deductible donation. Allow me also to thank you in advance for your commitment to the mission and work of the Center for Emerging Media. Sincerely, Marc Steiner, President, Center for Emerging Media (5/6/08) Why does WMAL keep using fill in hosts from 2000+ miles away that try to pretend they're local? Kevin Wall is horrid. He's the type of fake DJ that the old Don & Mike show would make fun of. I've got a great idea for the new evening host: a novice perhaps but still better than the tripe on WMAL now. This person has graced WMAL airwaves on both sides of the microphone, has a good relationship with the hosts currently on now and has also been a popular Mailbag favorite. I am speaking of none other than Sylvie from Waldorf. Whaddya think Dave? (5/6/08) For the person wondering about the Redskins on WSVA: The program director is Frank Wilt. His telephone number is 540-434-xxxx. (5/6/08) I've heard that the Redskins will not be on WSVA in Harrisonburg this year. Is that true? (5/6/08) Anyone notice how the Mix TV commercials no longer mention "diamond in the morning?" Now they are just running the listen at work spots. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm... (5/6/08) Hello Dave, Do you have HD radio? If so, have you heard the new format at DC101's HD2 station. It's called erockradio, and its playing a lot more underground and old stuff. Sounds pretty good compared to the dc101 replicate they used to have. Drew from Fairfax (5/6/08) Dave's response: I do have an HD Radio and will give 101.1's HD2 signal a listen. Sounds cool. Gotta be better than the Globe..... MUSIC FOR MYANMAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A HUGE THANK YOU to ROCK AND ROLL HOTEL in DC www.rockandrollhoteldc.com for donating space for MUSIC FOR MYANMAR SUNDAY MAY 18th 6pm until we are done :) I got to thinking how people are worrying about the small stuff in life, then a cyclone hits Myanmar, new death toll at 15,000...We want to help these people.... (5/6/08) Here's where that Cooper CNN vo is actually from: www.youtube.com (5/6/08) I think somone in the building was using DCRTV posts to bring Diamond to the table. I'd love to know who. (5/6/08) Is Ticketmaster close to closing all its in store outlets in No. VA.? Went to Fair Oaks location this afternoon only to find it closed. Later in evening went to Tysons outlet and mentioned Fair Oaks location and was told the Tysons outlet may not be around for long. This would leave like two Ticketmaster outlets in No. VA. I guess the on line is the way it's going. Problem with that is can't pick a specific seat, especially if you have mobility problems. And do they have an even higher service charge online? (5/6/08) /\ May 6 Messages /\ \/ May 5 Messages \/ How many nights ago did O'Reilly interview Clinton and he's still asking guests "how did I do?" It was a good interview for both but you have to wonder if this guy gives his wife a survey after sex so she can grade his performance. (5/5/08) “Reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated.” I had thought that was Mark Twain referring to an obituary for him published in 1897. But now that I think about it, I believe it was Jack Diamond referring to DCRTV’s front page. Dave, I remember several years ago, when Carson first joined Mix 107.3, you were reporting rumors that Mr. Diamond was about to be fired. But he keeps on going. Roddy Freeman (5/5/08) Dave's response: Yeah. A few years back, there were loads of rumblings that Jack Diamond may be leaving 107.3. In fact, he'd been doing some talk stints on ABC sister WABC in NYC. Also, I've heard that Rob Carson was brought to 107.3 under the distinct impression that he would soon be doing mornings. One thing is for sure - Diamond is a survivor. Or maybe it's those "scandalous" pics of ABC/Citadel suits he threatens to make public..... 88.1 in Lexington Park: The current GRACE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH translator tower is virtually at the physical street address of the CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH OF LEXINGTON PARK on Pegg Road in Lexington Park. The 60 dBu service contour of CALVARY BAPTIST's new signal doesn't even reach Calvery Baptist's facility; the current translator 60 dBu service contour picks up where the new station's contour leaves off. Assume the translator/new station will preach the same version of God's word. www.fcc.gov... W201CG GRACE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH www.fcc.gov... NEW CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH OF LEXINGTON PARK, INC. (5/5/08) Radio in the US is claiming to be in a funk now, with trends declining. I just got a copy of the recently RAJAR ratings for the UK (released May 1) for Q1 2008. The BBC has an impressive hold on the country, claiming 68% of the population, while commercial radio reaches 62%. Oveall, radio reaches 90% of the population! Looking at the digital end of things, DAB listening has risen from a share of 9.9 in Q4 2007 to 10.8 in Q1 08. Digital TV and Internet listening is also up. So-45 million adults listen to the radio each week and 31% listens to a digital platform in some way or another. The question is, if the US duplicated the marketing efforts of DAB, could HD Radio also see these types of figures? SC (5/5/08) Back in the day, say 25-35 years ago, Bob Chandler, late PD of WGAY-FM (99.5), monitored his station ALL THE TIME. The slightest mistake would trigger a phone call to the board op. That kept the airstaff on their toes for sure. Fast forward to TODAY. Hours of undetected computer malfunctions, FCC rule violations, and the cheapest audio feeds known to man or beast. For shame! Next: Advertisers pay for dead air -- including spots. (5/5/08) " I refuse to belive that a live human was monitoring the WJZW programming on Sunday morning..." I agree. In fact, it makes it pretty clear that nobody associated with the station was listening. It's kind of like good 'ol 'Redskins Radio' 104.3 FM, which has been running multiple spots simultaneously many times a day for months now and, in the last week or so, has taken to opening the emergency broadcast signal during spots too. It's got to be pretty hard to convince advertisers to pony up for spots when you treat their product like crap. (5/5/08) Dave's response: 104.3? You must mean 94.3..... Folks spend good money purchasing insurance policies, JUST in case something happens. Keeping a person in the building of a cluster to assure normal operation while handling an airshift, or other duties, just makes sense. It's management's job to hire professionals and set the ground rules. To the unnamed poster who disagrees, you have that right. Sure, the industry had taken many steps to cut costs, and yes, I voicetrack because I am fortunate to be with a company who values personality, which I used while voicetracking. Do I like it, no. But, as a professional, I put all of my effort into making it sound entertaining, timely, and personable. That's how you survive in this industry for so long. The intimacy of being there live and talking with listeners on air or behind the scenes is missing. But, at the same time, if severe weather affects the area, I am alerted and on air a few minutes later with the information people count on. That's making the best of what you have to work with. I get plenty of time to be LIVE as well on several stations. One thing I have never forgotten was to respect those who have been in the business for years. Those positive values and humility do one good. Enough preaching, I have voice tracking to do! Tom Conroy (5/5/08) Way to go, Dave! A mention of DCRTV within the first five minutes of the "Mike O'Meara Show". Very cool. (5/5/08) Dave's response: Well, at least he didn't call me a "homo" like Chad Dukes did the other day..... " I refuse to belive that a live human was monitoring the WJZW programming on Sunday morning." What about the part time program director that they pay? Does he ever monitor the station? Was he even in town? Maybe he was spending company money on one of his famous junkets with his cronies. What a terrible station. The website looks like it was done for free. (5/5/08) I refuse to belive that a live human was monitoring the WJZW programming on Sunday morning. When events do not fire resulting in dead air, when spots double roll, when there is no legal ID, let alone any ID; a human would have to spend only a few minutes to determine- something is WRONG. Believe it or not, this small market execution on one station affects all. How? Because it reinforces the popular notion that over the air radio is dying. No new ideas. Little localism. The listeners move to satellite, mp'3 etc. etc. Regards, Bob (5/5/08) At 1:30 today, WMAL ran a Pro Flowers ad and a Chevy Chase bank ad at the same time. I guess that's Citadel's way to double ad revenue - run two ads at the same time. And who said Farid Suliman isn't brilliant! (5/5/08) Maybe its time to rethink the way overnights are handled at cluster radio studios. XM's "nerve center", with its Captain Kirk chair and constant monitoring of all channels at once, is an ideal model to adopt on the station level where three or more stations are under single-point control. Absence of signal (silence) is seen immediately on bargraph meters all over the room. Truly serious playback problems can be shunted by putting up a replay of an earlier program from a separate system - even a CD - while the main system is worked on. Hell, teach the overnighter how to reboot and logon the master playout computer (the majority of Windows realtime failure issues are resolved with a reboot). If the overnighter/ weekender is going to surf for smut and we know it, then re-purpose a production room or backup studio to be a DEDICATED Master Control room, complete with the bells and lights that indicate disaster, the means to control it all, and a standalone off-the-network machine that will let him/her surf anywhere they want. Put him/her in there for the full shift and keep them there. If they screw up like they did this past weekend, well, we have two local broadcast schools churning out grads that will happily step in with no notice whatsoever. (5/5/08) Dave, I had a What would Dave do moment? I would have done you proud this weekend as I made the brass at NBC mad with my Monday column on how they botched the coverage o the Kentucky Derby. They chose to cover the winners circle with all the sponsors and Churchill Downs big wigs while Eight Belles was being put down on the track just moments after the race. They ignored the sports story of 2008 to cover their sponsors. www.examiner.com... Where are the good old days of ABC Wide World of Sports and Jim McKay! Cheers, Jim (5/5/08) Re: Those 3WT hiccups. I didn't notice them during my morning "TK" segment (with the Post's Horse Race writer, Andrew Byer), but I did notice it during a Nat's game broadcast this past weekend. Christian (5/5/08) Too many topics to rant about from the "Radio Weekend From Hell"! First, I loved the "hiccups" during the Nationals game. 3WT...thanks for the crappy 7th, 8th and 9th! It really adds "imagination" to the game when you can't hear it. Second, I went to ShenCo before it became a "university" and not only enjoyed the festivities of the Apple Blossom Festival (..thank you to the park police for not giving me a ticket for, oh, shall I say public display of affection) . I also worked as catering staff from the school at some of the big ticket shin-gigs for the politicos and old money charities. (...thank you to the state senators daughter....) Lastly, if Korny is going to rehash old material he should have a disclaimer at the beginnings of his show. Something along the lines of "Best of..." or "if you have heard this...no your not having a stroke." Thanks to the MOM show for keeping smart AND goofy radio alive and pulsing. JFK is really putting together a nice lineup. skimmell (5/5/08) Dave's response: Perhaps some of 3WT's baseball advertisers should realize that their ads aren't airing in their entirety, with all the "hiccups"..... Boo????? Whoopsie?????..Thirty years in Broadcasting, Overnights?????? Live radio is, was, and always will be better than automation. That's what the discussion was supposed to be about. Your "rant" was a perfect example of how some of the "30 year VETS" have dummied down. My 2 cents goes to live fun filled personality radio. Ain't none of that around these days. CLICK CLICK, CLICK, CL.....WHOOPSIE! (5/5/08) A few thoughts about your request for more advertising… If you keep smirking at conservatives all the time you will certainly slice out at least 40-45% of your potential market for ads. I’m not sure why you continue to do this if you are serious about generating solid ad capital. Conservatives run business, spend ad money, and might take a look at your site if they didn’t see a constant stream of satirical comments. Air America has shown that a lot of people tune in to Conservative air/media. Good examples of what I see: 1. “Chris Wallace's interview with Barack Obama last Sunday couldn't even generate a first place finish for Fox's "Fox News Sunday." I seriously doubt that even Chris Wallace thought he could do so --- did you ask him if that was his goal? And no positive comments about the interview itself. 2. Fairly consistent effervescent words about Chris Matthews (check out his advertising revenue), but constant slams for Rush Limbaugh (check out his advertising revenue). 3. Constant slams at Andy Parks --- “Parks is just as clueless on human relations as is he is with politics.” Don’t get me totally wrong here. I think your column is entertaining and clever. And while you are absolutely free to make whatever statements you desire, perhaps a once-in-a–while nod to the Conservative side would lower your need to beg for ad revenues. All the best, Bob Fritz, DDL OMNI Engineering, LLC (5/5/08) Dave's response: Hey, you're wrong. I've been slamming Chris Matthews a lot lately for being a big pompous boob. I've also said some very nice things about Fred Grandy, who is hardly a liberal. Ditto with Tony Snow, also no lefty. I also tend to regularly trash Tony Kornheiser, who is a big lib. Perhaps you need to read me more carefully. By the way, Bob, I deeply thank DCRTV's advertisers. But I will never bend my opinions simply to secure more ad bucks..... Reverb on Big O and dukes that is crapping out every few seconds to every few minutes- PROBLEM AT JFK (5/5/08) Dave's response: They're doing a Cinco de Mayo remote from a DC bar..... To Whoopsie - Nothing like a flame war...Glad I could light you up this morning. Don't have anything against Conroy or Blessings Hon - Joyce - Just get tired of "boy we really need to do things the good old way, like they were done in the good old days". One of the owners I have worked for over the last 30 years once told me - "nothing was as good as you ever thought it was..." the radio market in the greater Washington DC area included...BOO! (5/5/08) DCRTV Dave: Thought your readers might enjoy this item on RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY, which is recorded here in D.C. for broadcast on Arlington-based PBS. www.pbs.org... Love your site! (5/5/08) To the lover of the "self righteous". You are one dumb-sh*t. Mr Conroy has been working the major and minor markets for decades. He's a total pro, he's a top notch performer and he's liked by anyone that's ever worked with him. He's not sarcastic, he doesn't attack inane idiots like you. I would strongly suggest you RE-READ his post. If you don't get it, that's no surprise! yOU MUST BE THE "COUCH POTATOE THAT YOU'RE REFERRING TO!!! WHOOPSIE! (5/5/08) Ref: Posters on automation screw-ups...Reminds me of the old days at WITH-FM (later B104), when they ran an oldies package called "Old Gold" and the time was always wrong, but it did get you to check your watch...like what's the difference, a few hours or a few minutes off... (5/5/08) Actually, Citadel DOES pay someone to sit in the studios. WMAL and WJZW and/or WRQX is staffed around the clock. During the week, WJZW is live overnight (sure-a key daypart to be LIVE!!!); and on the weekends WRQX is live with talent, while there is a board op in WJZW and WMAL. Most likely, the board op on WJZW was not trained how to correct the problem and/or did not alert the WRQX talent on the air of the issue. CBS Radio also has a "babysitter" in the studio (both Baltimore and DC locations). So-yes, these companies DO pay to have someone surf the net (And you can't access porn in those places!), but it is in effort to monitor that all spots air, the stations are on time and that they remain on the air. But once again, you get what you pay for! (5/5/08) Dear Dave: I've heard Steve Ray provide traffic reports on WTOP. Most of the time that's happened it's been on the weekends. Don't know if he has as much free time to do so now since the Nats season is underway and he's working in the studio as part of the game broadcast featuring the solid play-by-play work of Charlie Slowes and Dave Jaegler. BTW...that's a NICE ballpark that the Nats now play in and love the seats I have two sections over from the broadcast booth. Great site Dave! Sincerely, Joe Kasell (5/5/08) Dave's response: There's a wild rumor that Steve graduated from Herndon High the same year that I did..... So Tom Conroy. Are you saying that stations should pay someone (presumably one person) to sit in a cluster all night dubbing barter spots and picking their nose - surfing for unblocked porn at whatever $ per hour for the other 364 nights when nothing happens to the automation so you, the professional, can voice track - since you'd never set foot in a radio station 30 hours a week overnights for what it pays in any market? (and the pay has always been crappy for overnights) Or should clusters with 4 or 5 FM's each have a porn surfing 'do nothing' sitting in the studio? Which exactly is it? If its someone who's not even on air - chances are the dead air would be no less noticeable...maybe a little shorter but even that's doubtful. How many of us have seen an overnighter asleep on the couch in the lounge with the french fry alarm going off? Or in one studio with the level so loud (and he or she so high) that nothing else penetrates the cranium...Just love the self righteousness on this board...You guys are wonderful. Keep it up! (5/5/08) Dave, the meltdowns you had mentioned are just part of the cost of doing business when companies make cuts in budgets to justify the big management salaries.Not too long ago radio was, for the most part live, but those $8.00-$10.00 hr. for part timers really broke the bank. Certainly automation can do a good job, but like anything computer based, it's bound to go crazy sometimes. I voice track overnights down here, and yes, it's cheap for owners, where I can do 7 shows in just over 3 hours instead of 30+ hours. The owners, who are local, do receive notification from the system when it acts up, and I'm there within a few minutes. At the Wheeler group in Roanoke, there is ALWAYS someone there to babysit all of the stations should a glitch occur, and there are plenty of alarms to let you know. Sure, it costs them just a few dollars to do this, but they know the value of a class operation. They are one of the most professional operations I had ever worked with, and the staff is major market all the way. What happened at the two DC stations would have never been acceptable by standards in the past. Tom Conroy (5/5/08) Don and Mike were never on an episode of "Star Trek" but they were in an episode of "Babylon 5" from the second season called "The Long Dark". For the Star Trek thing, you might be thinking of Mark & Brian from L.A. who were some aliens in an episode called "Identity Crisis" from the 4th season of Star Trek: The Next Generation. I'm going back to the basement of the Science Building now...Greg in Reisterstown (5/5/08) Dave's response: Here's Don and Mike on "The King Of Queens." They play the gay couple at the table in the background. At YouTube..... I think Peter Tork was born in D.C. but grew up in the Tidewater area of Virginia. I'd say he's played twice in the last year or so at the Jammin' Java club in Vienna. Once with another singer who grew up in the Tidewater area named James Lee Stanley and then later Tork played with his own band Shoe Suede Blues. Speaking of D.C. born musicians. I know Country Joe McDonald was born in D.C. and spent a few years growing up here before the family moved to California. Wonder if Country Joe might be related to another local musician named Ron McDonald? Do you really think the folks running True Oldies and WBIG give a sh8t how their stations sounds! I have noticed when these stations ain't on like total autopilot that I'm hearing a lot more Beatles than you use too. And yes I think that's a good thing! Speaking of Beatles you might want to check out a former Beatle before he got canned for Ringo, Pete Best will be appearing at the above mentioned Jammin' Java in a couple weeks. Say that Susan in part 1 of Barry Richards Groove In was really cute. What's she dong these days (5/5/08) I have ben attending the Shenandoah Apple Blossom fesitval in Winchester for several years now and I never heard of the people in charge of the event restricting those requesting media passes on the basis of employment ( though I do remember what TV 60 WYVN did ). However I do remember a few times in the past when access to a certain celebrity was indeed restricted for one reason or another. When Kirk Cameron from TV's Growing Pains came to Winchester, if my momory serves correctly only those who share Kirk's faith were allowed to get near him. I am not sure if tis was a request on behalf of Kirk himself or by the folks at Apple Blossom. I guess either he or they were concerned someone would "pick a fight" with him over moral issues or whatever. A previous post mentioned Wayne Newton and how he mentioned he didn't like Wincheser and the festival. Over the last year I heard a few stories about Wayne and his actions when he was in Winchester, lets just say he wasn't the most popular Grand Marshall Apple Blossom ever had. But he wasn't the only celebrity to slam Winchester's big event. Gary Coleman was the fire fighter's marshall in 1988. A few years later I believe he appeared on some local talk show ( Phoenix ?? ) saying how much he hated being a part of Apple Blossom and how "local ugly fat women" were running up to him squeezing his cheeks making him say "whatcha talkin bout Willis". But hey that was his trademark. Then there was Doris Roberts from Everybody Loves Raymond. Back in 1980 she was picked to be Grand Marshall ( back then she was a star on the then popular TV show Angie, remember the theme song "Diffrent Worlds "? ), story goes that she actually faked an illness so she would not have to attend Apple Blossom. Then there was baseball great Micky Mantel who according to many locals, was so drunk that be passed out in a plate of food at Winchester's old long defunct Duffs Rebel restaurant. But I do give the folks who run Apple Blossom credit, they are VERY protective about their event and more.less hide the negative stuff from the public even if some of thise nasty stuff involving celebrities did make news accross the country, just it was kept quiet in and around Winchester. (5/5/08) Many years ago I recall that Don & Mike got to appear on an episode of Star Trek. Can anyone tell me which series they were on and that episode number? thank you - MAS (5/5/08) I heard from a very well connected source that Jack Diamond will celebrate his 200th birthday..and stay on the air and continue to drive 107.3 into the ground. (5/5/08) Hmmm - Maybe the FCC is on to something about proposed rulings requiring someone to actually be at the station when it's on the air.... what a novel concept! Regards, Otto Pebworth (5/5/08) Dave - What a mess this morning listening to Big 100.3. The worst of all the unintended mash-ups was War's "Low Rider" being played the same time as 10cc's "I'm Not in Love." If you want some mash-ups that are intentional and fun, check out mine at: soundboard.com... Tom in Frederick (5/5/08) So with the reports of meltdowns at two stations, I guess that proves that no one is listening, including management. You would think that at WJZW, as it shares space with WMAL and WRQX that someone at the others stations might say something or call a manager? Porter Jervis (5/5/08) /\ May 5 Messages /\ \/ May 4 Messages \/ Wasn't there a skit on a comedy program, where the DJ played several songs at once creating a cacophony of noise? The DJ said "anybody can play a bunch of songs in row , we save you time playing them all at once." :) Les in Adelphi. BTW I was the one who posted the link about democrat in wikipedia . (5/4/08) Steve Ray is listed on the WTOP web site as a "traffic reporter." Never heard of him. When does he work? And where did Ralph Siegal (sp?) go? (5/4/08) There's a clear difference between musical art & an automated shitfest. A "mash-up" is a purposeful mixing of several songs as an art form. What you heard this morning on both 100.3 and 105.9 was a "fuck up". I suffered through it for two and a half hours on an early morning driving from DC up & back to Montgomery County, trying to find a station I could just listen to trouble free. Both True Oldies and whatever the crapfest WBIG calls itself were on autopilot heading for the nosedive into a cliff. (5/4/08) This TV link may have been simmering a good 40 years, but I just found out today that Peter Tork of the Monkees - and most recently of the band "Shoe Suede Blues" - is a Washington DC native (b. 1942). Does anyone know if he ever swings back through town for any reason? Is he on the radio anywhere? He being a blues/folk musician, I always thought he ought to have a folk music show. Anyone from XM or Sirius ever offer? (5/4/08) An addition to my last rant. The very best example that I have heard, so far, is DJ Danger Mouse's entire mash-up of JayZ's audio tracks from "The Black Album" with samples and loops from the the Beatles' "White Album"...thus creating "The Gray Album". It was available on-line for free when it first came out back in 2003, but the Fab Four's legal team quickly nixed any more distribution, free or paid. I was one of the lucky ones who got a copy....completely phenomenal piece of audio art. (5/4/08) It must be the old folks who don't get the gist of a "mash-up". A mash-up, when done right, is a true art form of mixing two songs together to get a final, seperate song. Don't get me wrong. When done poorly it's a major audio disaster. Interpretation has a lot to do with creating a mash-up...any two songs who have the same BPM and chromatic key don't necessarily make a good mash-up. If I were an alien, I'd give DC101's Flounder 5 thumbs up for his incredible work with mash-ups and his show every Saturday night. When I was a club DJ back in the 80's, it was the same concept, except these days it's accomplished with pinpoint accuracy with the help of digital editing, pitch control, and automatic BPM calculation, which in fact make the whole process even more complicated than just a simple BPM match using pitch control. Am I a "young-un" just spouting off in defense of mash-ups? Nope...I'm a 41 year old former DJ (both radio and club) that can appreciate an audio artform when it's done with amazing results. And as they say back in ooooold Mexico City... GE (5/4/08) Re: "For the 3rd time this morning, 100.3 is playing 2 songs at once. War’s 'Low Rider' & 10cc’s 'I’m Not in Love'. Now, Led Zep’s 'All of My Love' & Styx’s 'Babe'" Perhaps a new take on a "Twin-Spin Weekend"? ...and speakin of Led Zeppelin: By the way, I'm still around (thanks for asking) and hope you haven't heard the last of AL (Speed Racer)SANTOS aka Mister 'Smoooth' (5/4/08) An answer to those who are concerned about media coverage of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival; it’s who you know in Winchester, and not who you represent. (5/4/08) What is going on at "True Oldies?" Had the radio on for several hours today and not once, not once in that period did I hear a legal ID. Listened to lots of dead air, appearantly the A liners were not firing. And lots of double spots that then rejoined the programming and upcut the music. I hear better satellite execution in small town daytimers and Class A fm stations. And radio execs ask, "Why are we losing audience?" Just tune in your station. (5/4/08) Can the mash up rage be a mercifully short one? There is already enough unnecessary noise on the air. Why create even more of it to serve a stupid fad? JOHN IN STAFFORD (5/4/08) To the correspondent who was upset when 100.3 played two songs at once, perhaps you are unaware that mash-ups are the rage now-a-days. Case in point: www.youtube.com and my favorite: www.youtube.com (5/4/08) For the third time this morning, 100.3 is playing two songs at once. First it was War’s Low Rider and 10cc’s I’m Not in Love. Now it’s Led Zep’s All of My Love and Styx’s Babe. (5/4/08) From looking at the website, the Winchester Apple Blossom Festival is held entirely in public areas. NOTHING, including a "lack" of credentials, can stop any media outlet from covering activities in these areas in any manner they see fit, short of blocking the parade with a satellite truck. Rule of thumb? If a tourist with a camcorder can stand there, so can you. Being the media does not somehow undercut your access. In an American world that access is supposed to at least be equal to that of anyone else. (5/4/08) Re: "Paul (Harvey) has been treated for phenomena" This is a fascinating revelation, can anyone at DCRTV or the original poster confirm the presence of ectoplasm during Harvey's treatments ? Good Day ! (5/4/08) I heard on the 4PM (Saturday) WMAL network news that Paul Harvey’s wife, “Angel,” has died from leukemia. I understand that she had been suffering with the disease for about a year. I also saw a report recently (maybe on DCRTV) that Paul has been treated for phenomena and that’s why he has been off the air (5/4/08) Never heard about the rule with Winchester's Apple Blossom limiting press passes to those who are employed only fulltime but I do recall back in the early 90s when Mary Tyler Moore was Grand Marshall, when Martinsburg's then FOX affiliate WYVN channel 60 made some deal to be the "exclusive" broadcast outlet of Apple Blossom. WYVN was given the rights to telecast the parade with their own staff doing the coverage. I think this was the only time WINC's Barry Lee did NOT anchor the coverage. Even though WYVN allowed WINC to cover the events as well right beside them, WYVN pretty much did NOT allow anyone else to do the same. My husband remembers seeing Harrisonburg's WHSV-TV, WFTR and WAPP 104.9 and 105.5 actually get turned away from covering the Stag Lunch because WYVN had those exclusive rights. I myself remember seeing a reporter for Mount Jackson's WSIG getting into a screaming match with an Apple Blossom rep over interviews and even the Queen of the bloom got involved. The Queen kept saying "..I will only talk to WINC and FOX 60". It was one strange Apple Blossom. And it must have hurt the bloom as the next year pretty much all the local stations covered the events. BTW...last year's pick of Grand Marshall singer Wayne Newton. My sister and a bunch of her friends went to Las Vegas last summer ( a few months after Wayne did the Bloom ) and they caught Wayne's act. They were telling me that the famous singer said a few things about Winchester and Apple Blossom and they weren't exactly positive. I guess not all of the celebrities who have done the Bloom didn't enjoy it. Oh well !! (5/4/08) /\ May 4 Messages /\ \/ May 3 Messages \/ Those "Groove-In" clips from 1968 of (a surprisingly clean-cut) Barry Richards were obviously filmed in late Summer of '68 when "The Horse" was galloping to the top of the charts. When I first spotted Cliff Nobles and his associate "Little Tina" standing absolutely stiff behind BR, I could have sworn they were mannequins for Morton's Department Store! That "drive-by" bumper where BR pulls up to the curb in a motorcycle sidecar was shot in front of the old Hot Shoppes Restaurant on Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring. Look closely at the beginning of the clip and you'll see the old National Institute of Dry Cleaning building (8021 Georgia Avenue) on the corner of East-West Hwy. At the end of the clip, as BR is just pulling away, you'll see the old Wilson Pontiac building down the street. Although it isn't visible, you can almost smell the fresh bread baking at the old Heidi Bakery across Georgia Avenue on Sheridan Street. (5/3/08) Not sure what effect this will have on WMUC 88.1 (maybe not much), but it certainly isn't good news that the 88.1 frequency is going to get a little more cluttered up in Maryland with yesterday's FCC approval of a new full power 88.1 FM station in St. Mary's City, MD. (5/3/08) "Of course no one noticed that the Globe was off the air." I've always said if they were truly concerned about the environment, they would just shut down. The amount of energy it takes to run that station (transmitter, office, sales people out on calls, employees going to/from work) hardly justifies their piss poor ratings. Then again all that matters is if they feel good about what you're doing. Oh and please, don't give us this crap about carbon credits or using green energy. (5/3/08) Someone asked if they were in Maryland or Beijing? What's the difference? Both have oppressive governments run by morons. (5/3/08) Channel-59 license sale pending FCC approval... A sale of the license to operate a low-powered television station capable of beaming an air signal from Five Points to Lewes and Rehoboth Beach is pending Federal Communications Commission approval. Meyer Gottesman, a principal with Rehoboth Beach Communications, owner of the Channel-59 license, said Price Hill LLC, a Cincinnati, Ohio-based company, is awaiting Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval of its application to purchase the station license. Rehoboth Beach Communications purchased the license in July 2005, and it began broadcasting a test signal in April 2007. The station has never broadcast programming. If the sale is approved, Price Hill could also apply to operate digital TV Channel-31 and four digital subcarrier channels: 31.1, 31.2, 31.3 and 31.4. The station’s license currently allows operating power of up to 15 watts, but the new owners could obtain FCC permission to operate at up to 20,500 watts. (5/3/08) Drop what you're doing, lil' chillun. You have a date with a not-so-hairy Barry Richards, the undisputable Boss with da Hot Sauce (in a Nehru suit, no less) at the "Groove-In" with special guests Cliff Nobles & Co. from 1968. www.youtube.com and www.youtube.com... Then, catch-up with BR seven years later on "Rockn'Soul", now sporting his famous face fuzz. www.youtube.com (5/3/08) "Hi, Delilah?... I'd like to make a dedication: The Monkees, 'What Am I Doing Hanging Round', and I wanna dedicate it to Deborah Jean Palfrey, the DC Madame." You'll get that in about 10 seconds... (5/3/08) To the person concerned about media credentials. Usually the organizers of an event require news/media organizations to apply for passes. It is the news outlet that verifies employment of an individual. I would suggest you question the outlets in the area and ask whether they made an attempt to get credentials for the people they have on staff. As to whether someone covering an event has to be full-time - each organizer has different rules. Some require credentials only be given to full-time working members of the media and limit the number of those credentials to a handful of people from each organization. Others have different rules. (5/3/08) Re: Apple Blossom Festival - WRNR-AM in Martinsburg, WV (Shenandoah Communications) had no problem getting media passes for two of its employees - a full-timer and a part-timer. Media credentials were forwarded through Anne Campbell of the SABF staff. Al McGilvray, News Director (5/3/08) Cannot get to YouTube through Comcast Hi-Speed Internet this morning. Am I in Maryland or Beijing? (5/3/08) Dave's response: YouTube doesn't work for me on Saturday morning, either. The site must be down..... Hi Dave, I drove past the WLXE site several days ago. It appears a storage facility is being built on part of the transmitter site. It doesn't look like there will be room for a third tower. A while back, the owner of the property wanted to put a housing development on the property. The city of Rockville turned down the request because it was too close to industrial property. This is probably the owner's fall back option. (5/3/08) Friday I was in Winchester for their annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival. Heard something interesting though I am not sure if its true or not. From what I was told in order to get a press pass to cover the events for radio/TV, one has to be employed full-time in their news department at their radio/TV station in order to get one. Ok, if this is true I wonder how many local stations were turned down from getting a press pass? The Winchester Clear Channel stations I have been told doesn't even have a news department and the Martinsburg Prettyman stations, while they do have a news department, all of their employees I have been told are actually part-time. If the "Bloom" does indeed have such a rule, how could these stations even send people to cover the events? Better yet, is it fair? I myself don't think it is. Having a news person calling up the folks at Apple Blossom to get their pass only to be told "..well since you are part-time you don't get one !!". (5/3/08) Noted with interest: The DC Madame (apparently) killed herself in Pinellas County. First Terry Schiavo, now Deborah Jeane Palfrey. Hmmm. Inquiring minds want to know.... where was Fez "Cousin Toddie" Whatley when this thing went down? Hmmm? Hah!! He went to Jared!!! Still, the involvement of the Cane Pole Gang is a matter of active investigation. Could be a frame, Danno, or the long con, a work, not a shoot. Caller X (5/3/08) Re: "Hot Damn for WOR! Can the return of Carlton Fredericks and Pegeen Fitzgerald be far behind (even if they're both dead....)" Carlton can stay dead as he and his now-deceased listeners weren't helped by his quack remedies. However, it would be nice to hear Ed and Pegeen again; broadcasting from his deathbed, Ed Fitzgerald was more coherent and livelier than certain pompous broadcasters today. (5/3/08) Of course no one noticed that the Globe was off the air. The only thing worse than their programming is the engineering of the D.C. CBS stations. Every day it's something with one of their stations. What a joke. (5/3/08) So now that Radio One has sold a station to Bonneville, and used that money to buy some Internet access site,,,the question remains, did they use the rest of the money to pay Bonneville for 104.1 and close that deal? (5/3/08) /\ May 3 Messages /\ \/ May 2 Messages \/ The Globe was off the air for most of early Friday morning. It didn't come back on until after 5:30 am. Apparently, the automation didn't automate. The funny thing is no one seemed to know the station was off the air. Is that the same thing as a tree falls in the forest but it never happened because no one was there to hear it fall? (05/03/08) Dave's response: It doesn't surprise me that no one noticed. You could have flipped over to 107.3 to hear pretty much the same bland adult contemporary rockish stuff..... Here's Dick with the weather... (5/2/08) If there are mourge photos or crime scene photos they will surely be on channel 9's website. I think that they take the prize for using the worst possible tabloid trash under the guise of local news. In the past week, in the local news section, they have featured stories about an alligator in some lady's kitchen in Florida, UFO's somewhere, and an Indian tradition about dropping infants off of a 500 foot tower. (5/2/08) If Fox and Fox5 COULD get morgue pictures of the DC Madam, it'd be the lead story. Remember, if it's lewd, crude and the worst possible taste; it'll be on Fox News. And delivered with much glee by Laura Evans and that Tracey Neale clone. Paul (5/2/08) Hi Dave - I drove past the WLXE transmitter site today in Rockville (formerly WINX) and noticed that the center tower of their 3-tower array isn't there anymore. When I got back to the office, I looked it up in the FCC database and found that its still licensed for a 3-tower DA at night. Back in the early 1980's they had a problem when a garbage truck sliced through one of the guy wires, causing enough structural damage that the tower had to be replaced. Maybe history has repeated itself. Have you heard anything on this? (5/2/08) Dave's response: We did get a post on this a while back, and were told that Rockville's 1600 AM is operating with a special temporary authority. Anybody know more? No one has ever put forward a reason why XM and Sirius should merge that makes sense from the consumers' point of view. I've tried both services, dumped one, and I don't want it shoved into the one I'm paying for. The people who post in favor of the merger sound like insiders. Sure, the two companies want a monopoly on their spectrum space, but when was such a thing ever good for the public? (5/2/08) "This morning, WTOP announced that, due to listener complaints, it has stopped aring the 911 call from Palfrey's mother yesterday." NBC's Today Show used it as well, and I'm sure they weren't the only ones on network or cable TV to do so. How did TV and radio news departments reach the point where exploiting a person's grief and shock at learning of a close relative's death for entertainment purposes was standard practice, with those making the programming decisions finding nothing wrong with it? Whatever happened to simply reporting the facts of a story without engaging in gratuitous emotional embellishment? Also, the media used to be especially careful to respect the privacy of a family dealing with a suicide situation - when did that change? The network morning shows have really gone down the tubes over recent years, with even their coverage of important topics like the presidential campaign noticeably lacking in substance. "Where in the world is Matt Lauer?" - I could care less. Mike, Fairfax (5/2/08) Dave's response: There's simply no excuse, other than to attract listeners/viewers with something lurid and voyueristic, to run Palfrey's mother's 911 call. Sheesh. What next? Morgue pictures of the "DC Madam" on wtopnews.com? Sick! Just because the call is available to the public doesn't mean a news organization should broadcast it..... To the posters who WANT Sirius and XM to merge, I’d offer this argument. A lot of us have XM receivers. If the merger occurs how long do you think it’ll be before XM folds up its tents? Mel Karmelkorn has no intent to keep XO around no matter what he tells the FCC. He’ll tell them anything just to get the merger approved so he can line his pockets with even more money. Whatever he says, I simply don’t trust him. He can say the merger won’t suppress competition, yes it will. He can say the merger won’t affect subscription prices, but my theory is that if the merger took place, there would be no reason to keep prices down, and they would escalate. I’ll admit part of my ambivalence about the merger is I simply don’t want Mr. Karmelkorn to get his way. Just as he had no interest in helping any of us who worked for CBS while he ruined the ship, he’s just out to make fast bucks for himself. And let’s not forget how it was HE who pulled the plug on internet streaming for CBS, “there’s no money in the internet.” Of course now CBS is a late-comer to the internet camp trying to reinvent itself, now just think where they’d have been if they did this 10 years ago when they should have. Mel probably still gets far too much of a salary for a “failing” service, so if he and his XM counterpart are truly interested in profitable companies, how about stepping down and letting someone run it with a much more reasonable salary? Perhaps then there’ll be what CBS used to call “revenue flexibility.” Bill Powers, Los Angeles (5/2/08) Dave Johnson was forced to miss the Wizards radio broadcast Wednesday due to his father undergoing surgery. It isn't appropriate for fans to consider that situation an opportunity to bounce Johnson on a more permanent basis. Everett W. (5/2/08) It's Friday, he said in his best Paul Harvey voice, and time to get some stuff off my chest….(1). The Palfrey Death: She was a Madam, running an "escort service" apparently made up of the chubbiest, oldest and most pathetic "Fantasy Models" on the East Coast. Get over yourselves, conspiracy nuts. She got caught, and swore she wouldn't go back to jail again (having been a guest of the People for 18 months back in the '90's). Looking at real hard time, she offed herself in her mom's trailer park in Florida, leaving the old woman to deal with that image for the rest of her elderly life. A real class act….(2) Hot Damn for WOR! Can the return of Carlton Fredericks and Pegeen Fitzgerald be far behind (even if they're both dead; think of the demographical uptick!)…Genghis Cohen, obviously in need of his medication in sunny and warm Prince Wiliam County (5/2/08) Dave's response: This morning, WTOP announced that, due to listener complaints, it has stopped airing the 911 call from Palfrey's mother yesterday. And that the audio would only be available on WTOP's website. Why even make it available at all? Nothing newsworthy about it, other than it being lurid and voyeuristic..... Maybe Robbay the "in studio producer" should be the one handling all of the IM's that come in. Shouldn't Buzz be watching the computer for news as it pops up? Yesterday Buzz said a listener informed him of the news of the DC Madame killing herself in FLA but I heard it on O and D around 1:00. IMHO, not much of a newsman if you don't know something that broke hours before you hit the air. (5/2/08) Could the holdup of the satellite merger be because the terrestrial radio lobby is strong enough to hold it up or kill it? If the merger doesn't go through, is satellite radio dead? Will it die anyway? Are XM and Sirius making enough money to survive long term without a huge boost in new subscribers? JOHN IN STAFFORD (5/2/08) Jeezus, will somebody, ANYbody, hurry up and approve the XM Sirius merger for Chrissake? How can it take more than a year to allow these two struggling, unprofitable companies to join forces? How can such a piddly little thing like satellite radio threaten the bazillion dollar terrestrial radio industry? Again, let’s review which mergers have been approved more quickly than this one: Exxon Mobil, Whirlpool and whomever they merged with, MCI Worldcom,…actually, EVERY MERGER has been approved WAY faster than this one. For cryin’ out loud, I’m missing baseball! HURRY UP!! (5/2/08) Good day, everyone - Next Thursday, May 8, at The Q&A Cafe we focus on a subject important to everyone - preservation. Our guest is Richard Moe, a Civil War scholar, former political operative (COS to V.P. Walter Mondale) and now head of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It's a subject that should be dear to all of us, but especially people who live in and around Washington, one of the nation's most historic regions. But it's not just monuments. It's also the buildings that are our homes and places of business. When it comes to what we preserve, weighing everything matters. So, I implore, please make a reservation for this Q&A. Jon Moss is at the phone today and again next week from 10 to 5. 202.338.2000. The fee is only $35, all inclusive, the doors open at noon, and the program begins at 12:30. The following week we talk about how the Bush Administration took us to war, with someone who was in the room - in all the rooms - former Defense Department official Douglas Feith. Then Mark Penn, Tucker Carlson, and a little later in June, Ted Sorensen. Watch The Q&A Cafe on YouTube www.youtube.com... Some recent New York Social Diary columns: Remembering the "DC Madam" www.nysocialdiary.com... The White House Correspondents Association Dinner Over the Years www.nysocialdiary.com... Have a good weekend, Carol (5/2/08) Note To Washington Sports & Entertainment...Please consider hiring Michael Reghi full time for Wizards radio play-by-play. Game 5 on Wednesday was a refreshing change. Or make an offer to Charlie Slowes and see if he can do both baseball and basketball. He was great on the Bullets broadcasts in the late 80's early 90's. Dave Johnson is terrible. Tom in Wheaton (5/2/08) "I heard from a VERY well connected source that Jack Diamond is NOT leaving WRQX. No word on whether a new contract was worked out, or whether it was all just a rumor, but he's staying put". Actually, it is Carson that needs to look over his shoulder (sorry to say). He is being paid morning show salary for afternoon drive, which makes him a greater target. Citadel bases things on ROI, not a line on the spread sheet. Personally, I hope they all are coated with Teflon, but with Citadel's major losses the next quarter will tell the tale. It's not radio anymore, it's business. (5/2/08) Talk about verbal crutches and Buzzito,with Buzzito having to prepare, what 4 news casts a show now and try to contribute to the conversation ,plus being 75 years old, no wonder Buzzie says "what?" so much. How about O'Meara's "oh my Gawd!" Say are the boys at MOM opening a big fatty for harassment with the sh8t they lay on BA everyday. O'Meara's bar was packed on a day I went in January and several other bars in the downtown still open but the area around O'Meara's pub and crawl looks to be slated for some redevelopment. When you got an owner who doesn't really pay attention the money just sort of wanders off in the bar business. I still cast me vote for J Dubbs and La Jefe. Perhaps the lil' brains can't grasp it says the elitist king of the donkey douchebaggers Regis said something interesting too me last week. He said he ran into Larry David at some function in NYC and Reege said that Larry David was one of the few folks that he'd love to have on the show but has never been on. Then Reege said with the way show is run these days Larry David was too old for the show. Why if Reege wasn't already there it's doubtful that pinhead Gelman would have Reege on the show. I've found all these yuteful music acts on the show stewpid. Who the f8ck is Gelman trying to attract in terms of the audience? For most of the music acts he books on the show shouldn't they be in school. Come on poopyhead Gelman have the occasional over 35 music act would you! Well fine then (5/2/08) Ah, another couple of armchair PDs. My suspicion is that PDs actually have very little decision-making power. There was even one APD yesterday who thought the Hideout would be a good fit for 6am - 10 am on Saturdays. Yeah, the Hideout's target audience is awake before 10 am on Saturday. Right. As wonderful as it would be, Ron and Fez aren't coming back. Ever. "Oh, enjoyed Chad Dukes' "homo" comment about our fearless DCRTV leader today during the end of the Junkies' show. Careful Chad. Despite your upticking ratings all it'll take is one "indecent" remark making it onto 106.7's airwaves and you get the boot from CBS faster than you can say "Dan Mason. " And I enjoyed the Hideout's lengthy excursis on Dave's orientation after his first appearance on their show back in the day. Guess what, APD? You can call people homos on the radio and the FCC won't do anything about it. Nor will CBS Radio. Deal with it, or deal with your self-loathing. Then the Mayor of New Orleans checked in: "In my humble opinion, to make the station more fresh and hip at night, would be a couple of brothers. And I don't mean the militant type. A couple of single dudes, into hip hop, doing a sports/lifestyle hybrid show. Last time I checked, DC was still nicknamed chocolate city, and the only brother I hear on JFK is some psychotic mailman with atrocious teeth! There are intelligent, levelheaded black men (see Obama, Barak), capable of being entertaining to a mass of people for 3-4 hours a night. I think going in that direction would be a shot in the arm at night to WJFK, and would balance them out. There's a lot of young, black, professional broadcasting talents in this town. All they need a chance. Reading this Dan Mason? CK?" If that's the only brother you hear, you're not listening. But, I agree with this poster..... until he gets to the part about "needing a chance". What these "young, black, professional broadcasting talents" need to do is get internships (Big O and Dukes have as much as said that you can fake your way into it), have a cable access show (i.e. put up their own money, a small amount), or create a demo like the Hideout did. This would actually be a great thing for WJFK and I would at least give it the couple weeks I gave the Junkies and O&A to see if it was good. Henry Rollins just called, and he thinks Big O and Dukes are working too hard. Verbum Sap. Caller X (5/2/08) /\ May 2 Messages /\ \/ May 1 Messages \/ Aint this great...??!! The "DC Madame" commits 'suicide'... -way too go "...national security- federal secret police..." for shutting-up some-one who goes 'off the reservation' Trust me Shep, I know how these guys 'work' -LOL :-) But of course you guys in the 'media' will not talk about it ;-) ~Arthur S.~ the kinky-neo-con (5/1/08) I guess Sinclair is so busy with WBFF 45's HD News broadcasts that they completely forgot to notice that CW-54 WNUV-DT's HD channel does not even have a stable synced video and audio signal, at least not on tonight's Smallville episode or even the commercials! (5/1/08) Sutton is on leave. He will be back on Friday. Carpenter is going home to be at his daughters track meet. Holliday will do the play-by-play for Friday's game with Sutton. Carpenter will be back on Saturday with Sutton and Holliday and Knight will be back in the studio. (5/1/08) Sure, there are lots of dudes who'd enjoy the return of Ron & Fezzie to WJFK. But that's never going to happen, and the duo has said as much plenty of times on XM. Not to mention that whoever Kinard/Hughes puts on air for the 7 pm slot needs to be able to live with with any Terps, Caps, or other sports broadcasts that come up. Dukies certainly didn't get cised for Terps basketball or the weekly coaches shows. (5/1/08) The AVSforum seems to have the answer on WBFF and Baltimore's FIRST HD NEWS (coming soon)..... "WBFF is now on the new digital master control as of this morning. We're still working on some issues, so sorry in advance for any problems that you notice (if any...), but the pictures, especially the news, look a lot better. The news is not currently in HD, but this is a step in that direction." Looks like they're working to have it ready for May Sweeps. Thanks WBFF & Sinclair! :-) (5/1/08) Have to agree with previous poster...Hideout = Horrible radio....I also thing Big "Zilch" and Douche suck too...Giving these dummies 5 hours a day is rating suicide...JFK will be looking for a replacement for them before too long...I predict Joe Radio coming to mid days soon...WB Centreville, VA (5/1/08) My bet would be Fox 5 salivates and treats the death of the DC Madam with the worst possible taste as they do most everything ele with glee. Paul (5/1/08) Lets hope Jack gets dumped. I never listen to WRQX because of him. He just bugs me and needs to be taken down a few. What do you think? (5/1/08) "Oh,my God-- they killed Palfrey! YOU BASTARDS!!!" In all seriousness, this is just pathetic & sad for everyone involved. You can smell the rats right now clear up the eastern seaboard. And if I were Ashley Dupre, I'd move to Antarctica at this point. Don't know which is worse...the insane amount of money spent prosecuting women like Palfrey that could be better spent, or the spineless Capitol asses who bounce off the walls if they think they're name might pop up in a "black book". (5/1/08) As far as WTOP's rare audio problems go, Mitchel Miller has it nailed. Not all audio passes through main consoles anymore - be it stations, station clusters or networks. Routers and switchers that live in racks way down the hall handle a great deal of traffic now. I have seen firsthand at other facilities what happens when the router either doesn't kick in fast enough or doesn't switch out one source while engaging another. S'ugly. And you can't correct it from the control room operator position unless the computer in there can talk to the router down the hall over IP. (5/1/08) If Buzz says "What!?" after a bland comment by Mike O'Meara one more time I will scream at my radio. Mike: "We will all be at --- for Cinco de Mayo" Buzz: "What!!" (5/1/08) Dave, Prince Georges County Comcast not only removed the Baltimore QAM digital channels from their system, but the Annapolis & Anne Arundel Comcast system removed many DC QAM digital channels yesterday (4, 7, 9, & 26). I still have 5, 20, and 50, but probably not for long. I miss having the option of watching WUSA's HD news. Not only that, I often watched several other DC locals on the QAM side since the SD version is so overly-compressed. This was one of the reasons that I initially chose Comcast over satellite, especially since the town that I live in is actually quite a bit closer to DC than it is to Baltimore. I'd rather watch DC locals. Most severe weather moves generally from West to East. I live directly East of DC. Baltimore weather rarely matches up with what I experience in my town. I don't expect to see FIOS install crews for years either. Maybe I need to look into a good D*/OTA hybrid solution. Thanks, Steve L. More at avsforum.com www.avsforum.com and www.avsforum.com... (5/1/08) I have to disagree with the posters who like "The Hideout". The show has actually gotten worse since it's first go round on WJFK. Jefe and Dubbs are prime examples of gratuitous "shock radio". None of it is genuine, they sound uncomfortable, and it's uncomfortable listening to them. I don't think I necessarily agree with bringing Ron and Fez back to JFK either. While they did fit the sound of the station at that time, WJFK has a nice vibe going with The Junks, Big O and Dukes, and Mike. In my humble opinion, to make the station more fresh and hip at night, would be a couple of brothers. And I don't mean the militant type. A couple of single dudes, into hip hop, doing a sports/lifestyle hybrid show. Last time I checked, DC was still nicknamed chocolate city, and the only brother I hear on JFK is some psychotic mailman with atrocious teeth! There are intelligent, levelheaded black men (see Obama, Barak), capable of being entertaining to a mass of people for 3-4 hours a night. For black male listeners in the 18-49 demo, speaking for myself, I can't listen to John Thompson...painful. Doc Walker's show on WTEM sounds a like trip to neighborhood barber shop, and shocker, there aren't any other black TALK show hosts in the market! (WOL and Heaven 1580 don't count). I think going in that direction would be a shot in the arm at night to WJFK, and would balance them out. There's a lot of young, black, professional broadcasting talents in this town. All they need a chance. Reading this Dan Mason? CK? (5/1/08) Dave's response: If my memory serves me, I seem to think that WJFK once actually had a black guy working there, doing evenings. I think his name was Peter Rosenberg, right? Oh, nevermind..... I would love to work in radio... (yet being; -too intelligent, -too well read, -too worldly, -too opinionated with 'common sense'... I know I could "never get a job"...) But I would 'love' to work @ 105.7fm/CBS Radio... WOW! WITH 40+MINUTES OF USELESS 'TRAFFIC/NEWS/WEATHER/ADS' EVERY 60 MINUTES YOU GUYS ON THE RADIO NEVER SEEM TO WORK! -How cool is that?, A "talk show" with no callers to deal with... and broadcasting the O's games every other day to mess up the daily line-up... WAY TO GO 105.7fm/CBS Radio! -YOU GUYS GOTS IT! ~Arthur S.~ "kinky-neo-con" (5/1/08) DJ Cynnamixx, who co-stars with Konan on the 2-6 p.m. slot (PrimeTime), has not been monetioned or heard from for a few days now. Her link is no longer on the 92Q Jams website. Is she gone? Fired? What? (5/1/08) I have to agree the MASN spot with Johnny Holliday is the best of the bunch. All those years on the stage has paid off for Mr H. When does Ray Knight return to the pre and post game shows? I like Mr Wood on Radio.....he belongs there!! Shawn (5/1/08) I heard from a VERY well connected source that Jack Diamond is NOT leaving WRQX. No word on whether a new contract was worked out, or whether it was all just a rumor, but he's staying put. (5/1/08) Dave's response: I am hearing rumblings from a number of sources that something's "up" between Citadel and Diamond. Maybe they can work out a deal to keep Jack in mornings on 107.3. We'll see..... Whatever happened to those smooth jazz folks who were fired when WJZW changed format. Al Santos, Van Neece Johnson, Jay Lang etc. Seems like they disappeared of the "face of the earth." Thanks. (5/1/08) Dave's response: I thought I saw Santos' mugshot on a "Wanted" poster at the post office..... Dave, your rant about the Mother's Day body scan reminds me of a similar story from back in the day. I was PD at a small market station and a new sales guy landed a back-to-school deal with a local shopping plaza. Each spot included mentions of two to three stores in the plaza and their back-to-school specials. Of of those spots included copy for a gun shop. The copy promoted "stocking up for the fall season" and was paired with copy for some store selling kids clothing. Fortunately, this was a time when a PD could still kill ad copy so it never made it on the air. Instead, we wrote new copy for the gun shop urging folks to take more care when driving once school reopened. They gun shop owner was pleased with subsequent in-store traffic from people stopping by to thank him. And yes, those who stopped in bought stuff. All it takes is a little creativity to give the client something that works and makes sense to the listener. Too bad that didn't happen in your example. (5/1/08) Dave you mentioned Jack Diamond (harvey--no wonder he changed his name) "shopping his services around to other clusters" ...tell me .is there a station in the area you see him fitting in with..?? to me Jack epitomizes the "old" style of radio--loud and top 40ish...and not inherently funny on his own..and in today's radio climate , certainly no one would pay him what Mix is....whattya think??? (5/1/08) Dave's response: Maybe WASH. How about "Loo, Laurie, And Jack." Maybe WJFK-FM. "Jack And The Junkies." Oh nevermind..... On Larry King's bailout on the Q&A Cafe yesterday... Last night, on Larry's CNN show, the guest was filmmaker Michael Moore. The original schedule called for it to be Rachael Ray. So either Rachael bailed on Larry, and Moore was used as a filler, or given the political heat of the moment, Moore bumped Rachael. In any case, I believe the show originated from L.A., meaning effectively that Larry preferred to snag Michael Moore for an hour than to be in DC for lunch with lovely Carol.... if that's not evidence Larry's lost it, I don't know what is. (5/1/08) I am not surprised to hear about the issues with the Jack Diamond morning show. Citadel should rethink their position though. They must not realize that since Mix's numbers are in the toilet the only thing that is really making that station money is Jack Diamond's 17 year history there. Carson going to mornings would be his dream come true as he has been vying for that job since he got there. The problem is... he does not know DC and he does not have the loyalty Jack does. So, if Jack leaves, is the end of Mix near when they realize how little they will bill without him? (5/1/08) Oh, enjoyed Chad Dukes' "homo" comment about our fearless DCRTV leader today during the end of the Junkies' show. Careful Chad. Despite your upticking ratings all it'll take is one "indecent" remark making it onto 106.7's airwaves and you get the boot from CBS faster than you can say "Dan Mason." Hello Fez and Big O. And it'll be back to the drive-up window at the Taco Bell. Imagine handing over a Bacon Club Chalupa to Don Geronimo driving up in his big black Cadillac Escalade. (5/1/08) Dave's response: Oh my - in my best Fez voice..... You mean 6 months of vacation a year wasnt enough for Mike O'Meara to manage his restaurant? He can hardly claim that he didnt have enough time to devote to the business as one of the reasons for its demise... WB Centreville, VA (5/1/08) Good synopsis of WJFK in your rant Dave. I did find it funny that despite your obvious like of Big O and Dukes, all Chad could do is focus on your use of the words "slacker attitude." And as long as we're talking grammar/syntax, I did like how the one mailbag Hideout hater wanted to inform us that "there show is awful", which is probably because there show currently broadcasts over their in Tampa. Douche. Bar none, Jefe and Dubs would complete the station, all live, all day, and would be perfect cultivate that at night audience which is really like no other day-part. Plus having a show that could promote other shows' occasional nighttime appearances as well as having their own would be awesome, the 'ol Ron and Fez Dave and Busters appearances come to mind. Anyway, that's my two cents, not that CK needs the help, he's been doing a great job, but completing the station would be fantastic, the sounds of Jay Severin and Unzipped are still ringing in my ears. - Jason (5/1/08) Is Virginia for ....lipstick lesbian threesome lovers? (5/1/08) I guess I'll have to break down and thank The Washington Times for finally waking up and delivering the later 2* edition to my house. For months now I've had to put up with " The Wizards game ended too late for this edition " etc. BTW I completely ignore the politics and read the Times for its Sports section. I highly recommend it. And the paper costs me less than 10 cents a day! Regards Biff (5/1/08) A few months ago, I posted about a vintage video blooper which featured John Chancellor, David Brinkley and news from the FDA, affecting the maraschino cherry industry. Well, I finally found it and here it is. Enjoy! www.zippyvideos.com (5/1/08) RE: [ " WBFF has been advertising its HD news programs on 101.9 FM today. The ION channel is now on the Comcast digital tier " ]........ Two points.... #1: Once again COMCAST's TV GUIDE Channel STILL shows ION on Cable channel 20. I have this pet peeve about liars and cheats and Comcast is consistently both........... #2: WBFF-HD is not showing the news in HD no matter what they're advertising. Did they advertise a premiere date possibly? (5/1/08) Hear anything about a format change for a station in O.C. Civil War surgeon in the mornings, Harvey Joel middays and Big Don to keep'em company on the drive home. It'll be More Music And George Michael's and Matt Elliott doing the play by play for the Salisbury State football games. And the boy next door playing big band and Sinatra on the weekends (5/1/08) Rudin "top talent"? Come on Dave, he's ok but he is certainly no top talent. If that were the case he would have managed to keep one of those jobs full-time or be at the networks or a higher market. Sorry but grabbing anything you can get at any station is not "top talent" MO. "Top talent is recognized and kept". BTW the Rudin "cat meow & purrr" post sounds like "self ego writing". Oh no! I bet replies to this post will mean more of those! Please spare us. PH (5/1/08) I'm watching "Fox45 News at 10" right now on WBFF-DT, and although the news scroll covers the entire bottom part of the screen, the newscast itself is not yet in HD. Also, I can confirm that Comcast in Baltimore County moved Ion (as well as CMT and G4) from its basic cable lineup to digital cable, as of April 9th. We got a notice in the mail earlier in the month announcing these changes. However, no surprise, we received no channels in its place! -Greg in Perry Hall (5/1/08) Dave- no press on the beautiful Jennifer Ryan now anchoring the morning AND evening weekend shows for Channel 9 WUSA? It is no surprise WUSA would want Ryan in front of the camera more, but why not on the "no chemistry" 5&7 weekday show?? Perhaps a few people would actually watch! What a mistake--that show needs another makeover! (5/1/08) "The next visible targets will be Harvey, Brian, Tom, and Bill in about that order." You don't mean Paul Harvey do you? I hate to sound harsh and will probably get flamed here, but oh well. Cancel that when he finally hangs it up. Don't get a substitute for him. It was an idea that was great 30 years ago, but frankly it cuts into the other programming very awkwardly. I don't have anything against Paul Harvey and don't wish him ill will but end it please. (5/1/08) Dave's response: I think that poster was referring to Harvey Fisher, which is Jack Diamond's real name..... /\ May 1 Messages /\ Jump to the Mailbag Archive Index.....